Health Journey | Life with Essie B.

May Wrap-Up: Celebrating Wins, Facing Realities, and Kicking Off June!

It’s been coming off!

Whew, what a month! As May winds down, I’m sitting here feeling a mix of pride, relief, and serious motivation. You might have seen my quick updates on Instagram and TikTok, but I wanted to dive a little deeper into what’s been happening on my #tirzepatide journey. And let me tell you, for the first time in a long time, the scale is moving in the right direction, and I’m actually consistent with my weight loss!

The Non-Scale Victories That Hit Different

When I say “great weight loss,” it’s not just about the numbers on the scale, though those definitely hold their importance too. For me, the real wins are the non-scale victories (NSVs). Lately, I’ve had so much more energy. I’m sleeping better, which feels like a miracle some days. And the best part? My clothes are fitting differently! Being able to effortlessly prop up my leg or bend over to tie my shoes without feeling like I’m doing a full workout? That’s gold right there. Those little moments remind me that this journey is truly paying off. It’s about what my body can do now, and that’s a feeling I haven’t had in ages.

The Real Talk: Challenges on Tirzepatide

Now, don’t get it twisted, this journey isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While #tirzepatide (and #zepbound) has been a game-changer, there have definitely been hurdles. The biggest one lately has been navigating the world of compounds vs. brand name meds. Going from 2.5mg vials of Zepbound to 6mg of Tirzepatide, or dealing with the recent FDA court order impacting compound pharmacies – it’s been a challenge. The worry about having enough medication to get through this and lose all the weight I need is a constant thought in the back of my mind.

Then there are the side effects. Oh, the joys!

TMI WARNING!!!

Constipation has been a recurring theme, and at one point, it swung the other way to diarrhea – both equally discouraging in their own right. And let’s not forget the infamous sulfur burps and delayed digestion. It’s wild how much those affect everything from alcohol consumption to even how my other medications are absorbed. I knew some of this going in, but experiencing it firsthand is different. Thankfully, it hasn’t deterred me from my goals just yet. Staying focused on the positive changes helps me push through those uncomfortable moments. I used products to combat that, and they have been extremely helpful on this journey. I will add links at the end of this post on what works for me.

Kicking Off June: My Fitness “Kick into Overdrive” Plan

So, with May’s wins firmly in the bag, it’s time to shift gears and tackle my #JuneGoal: fitness! I’m planning to kick my activity into overdrive, but in a smart, sustainable way. My main focus for exercise will be walking. The goal is to hit 10,000-12,000 steps every single day. Why walking? It’s low-impact, which means it won’t stress out my body and send my immune system into that unwanted fight-or-flight mode. It’s consistent, achievable, and something I can commit to daily.

I’m also working on building some new #consistency habits around this goal and accountability. I plan to share more about those soon, along with some products I use on this journey that might help others who are also on these medications. It’s all about finding what works for you and building a routine that supports your long-term health.

This journey as a #blackgirlgettinghealthy and committing to #blackgirlfitness is about more than just numbers. It’s about rediscovering what my body is capable of, building sustainable habits, and celebrating every single step forward, no matter how small.

I may fall short of my goal, but I am striving to hit it, so I will end up near it if not meeting it. 🎯

The Juggling Act: Releasing the Old, Embracing the New (and the Scale’s Rollercoaster!)

Posted on May 23 by EssieB

Whew, can we just talk about this journey for a minute? Because let me tell you, it’s been a ride. If you’ve been following along, you know I’m in a full-blown battle for the new me, working tirelessly to build her up while gently, but firmly, releasing the old. And honestly? It’s a whole lot. It feels like I’m juggling flaming torches, chainsaws, and maybe a live badger sometimes. But in the midst of the chaos, there’s so much good happening.

The Scale Saga and Shifting Mindset

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the numbers on the scale. Goodness, this thing has been a rollercoaster. One minute I’m celebrating a loss, the next it’s creeping back up. It’s frustrating, right? You put in the work, you make the choices, and then your body decides to hold onto those last few pounds like it’s guarding national treasure. My emotions are all over the place – there’s disappointment, for sure, because who doesn’t want instant gratification? I’m impatient, I want to see those results now.

But here’s the kicker: beneath that impatience is a deep, unwavering commitment. I’m learning to be realistic, to understand that my body’s going to do its thing, especially when it comes to significant changes. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a profound transformation, and that takes time. The bigger picture? I am making real, tangible progress on weight loss. So far, I’ve officially lost 25 pounds on this journey, and let me tell you, it’s finally starting to show! Clothes are fitting differently, I’m feeling lighter, and that’s an incredible feeling.

Building the New Me: Routines, Systems, and Small Victories

This “new me” isn’t just happening by magic. It’s a deliberate, conscious effort to implement routines and systems that support my goals. And while it’s a lot to keep track of, I’m choosing these changes for myself, knowing they’ll lead to a healthier, happier life.

So, what’s been working? My daily routine now includes drinking collagen, Miralax, and fiber – getting that digestive system happy! I’m committed to getting in a walk at least three out of five workdays a week, and hitting at least 40 ounces of water during my workday. And my Apple Watch rings? I’m aiming to close those five out of seven days a week, pushing myself to move more.

Beyond that, I’m focusing on my overall health. Hydrating my skin, taking Geritol multivitamins for iron and other needs, and adding liquid Vitamin D3/K2 (especially crucial for us melanated folks!) are non-negotiables. And speaking of moving, I invested in two new pairs of Brooks shoes to support my wide feet, and wow, what a difference they’ve made! I’m walking further and more comfortably than ever before.

Even my sleep is getting an upgrade! I recently got a new CPAP machine, and while it’s a learning curve, using it seven times in the last three weeks has already made my days feel so much better. The energy boost is real.

Tools of the Trade: My Support System

I couldn’t do this without my little army of apps and tools. My Stelo biosensor has been a game-changer, giving me real-time insights into my glucose levels and helping me understand my body’s responses to food. It’s truly amazing what you can track these days!

I’m also leaning on Shotsy (for tracking those weekly injections, which, by the way, have been smooth sailing!), Happy Scale for a more forgiving view of the numbers, and the Renpho weight scale. My Apple Health app is like the central hub, sending all that vital information to my other apps and keeping everything in one place.

But perhaps the biggest change is the shift in my eating habits. I’m more mindful, more conscious of what I’m putting into my body. Now, when I crave Chipotle, I’m ordering a kid’s meal. Instead of a full hibachi plate and sushi, I’m choosing just sushi. And that mini sub or sub-in-a-bowl from Jersey Mike’s? Those are my new go-tos. These aren’t just small swaps; they’re monumental shifts in how I approach food.

Looking Forward: Birthday Reflections and New Horizons

As my upcoming birthday approaches, it brings with it a wave of appreciation for life, but also a stark reminder: tomorrow isn’t promised. There’s so much more I want to do, so many experiences to have, and this journey is about creating the best possible version of myself to live it all.

Speaking of new horizons, I’m excited to share that I’m also working on a video update! I’m hoping to have that done by the end of May, just in time for my birthday month. It’ll be another way to share this evolving story with you all.

This fight for the new me isn’t always pretty, and it’s definitely not linear, but I am here for it. Every step, every choice, every small victory is moving me closer to the woman I’m becoming. And that, my friends, is worth all the juggling in the world.

Ready to Embrace Your Own “New You”?

What aspect of building your “new self” resonates most with you right now? Share your own journey in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own transformation!

The Matcha-Tirzepatide Combo That’s Changing My Life

Posted on April 30 by EssieB

So as of this post, I’ve just completed (or am about to complete) my twelfth week on this journey, and honestly, so far so good! For those who are curious, I’m currently using compound tirzepatide sourced from Brello, and I have to say, it’s been remarkably comparable to my experience with Zepbound (sorry not sorry to the brand loyalists! 😉😂😂😂).

It’s actually quite fitting that I’m sharing this update today, as it’s a special day – a very happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mom! There is something planned for her, and it is a slight last minute and a surprise. You will learn soon on this blog, but we hate surprises, so it will be told to her the night before. This milestone has me reflecting on the importance of health and well-being at every stage of life.

My weekend was also a whirlwind of joyful activity. As a prospect for my social club, I had a busy day at the National Harbor/Oxon Hill immersed in doing a photoshoot. Hanging out with this group has left me in stitches and gave my core a much-needed workout. I hope to be able to name and mention them on the blog soon, but until then, know I am having fun. On top of that, I attended a celebration in honor of a cousin in law’s one-year wedding anniversary! It was a beautiful reminder of the love and support I have in my life. It was also so great to see family who I haven’t seen in a long time since the divorce, but who I still love in my heart dearly.

Of course, no journey is without its little quirks, and I’ve definitely experienced the usual side effects – let’s be real, constipation has become a familiar friend (too much information? Maybe! 😉). But I’ve been proactive about it, making sure my fiber intake is consistently on point. My morning ritual now includes a powerful trio: Miralax, collagen, and natural fiber powder in my beloved morning matcha. Speaking of which, if you want to see my ode to this green goodness, head over to my Instagram or TikTok @lifewithessieb for a fun montage! The switch to a matcha latte with almond milk has been a game-changer for my energy levels. I can actually power through my daily tasks now without that dreaded afternoon crash and burn I used to know all too well. As a busy mom of three – a 19-year-old, a 14-year-old, and my energetic 8-year-old – that sustained energy is a huge win, especially with such a packed schedule lately!

Beyond the energy boost, getting my sleep in order has also been a significant positive in this chapter of my life. Since the past five years brought on a cascade of changes, including weight gain and those lovely diagnoses like ADHD, hypothyroidism, prediabetes, and insulin resistance, my health has felt… well, dicey at times. It often leaves me pondering that classic chicken and the egg conundrum: Did the weight gain precede the onset of these illnesses, or were the underlying conditions always there, gradually leading to weight increase? It’s a question I’m still exploring, and I know many of you can probably relate to that feeling of your body shifting and trying to understand why.

This journey with tirzepatide feels like I’m finally gaining some ground in navigating these health challenges. It’s not just about the number on the scale; it’s about feeling more energetic, managing those underlying conditions, and ultimately, feeling more like myself again, especially with the demands of my social life and family. On a completely different note, I recently caught the new movie “Sinners” and will be sharing my thoughts on it in a separate post soon, offering I hope a bit of a different perspective. Stay tuned for more updates on both my health journey and my cinematic reflections!